He invited his Dad to come down last Sunday and "work" the bees, something that the hubby had never done. I grew up on a farm and my Dad had some hives, and though I never worked them, I was at least semi-familiar with some aspects of the process. I don't think Dad ever really did anything to tend to his bees either...perhaps that's why my siblings and I were all amazed when he actually brought home honey.
In the heat of the Sunday sun, my hubby donned his bee outfit to prevent the little "workers" from "working" on him while I just sat nearby to watch...fly swatter in hand. (just kidding!)
I must admit it was fascinating...after you drugged the hive with smoke, the bees are rather docile...
Evidently when they smell the smoke they panic and think "FIRE!" so they jump on the comb and start working furiously to preserve the hive...
The start of something yummy...
Remember that I mentioned that this beekeeping activity was a learning experience for the grandkids? Despite all the little bees flying around the Sunday hive check, here stands my youngest grandchild...watching the process with Dad and Grandpa (all suited up)...
He needed a closer look...those of us on the sidelines laughed our heads off...brave little man.
Like I said, fascinating. My son tells me that bees have a four mile radius from their hive, so his bees occasionally drop in to visit our flower gardens and even though I hate bees (wasps in particular), we let them buzz around, knowing they are keeping the hive down the street in working order.
Coincidentally, the grandkids came down the other night for a swim, and the brave little man above and his sister, both got stung from the honey bees taking drinks from our pool. Evidently they lose their stingers and die, so two less bees for the honey factory down the road.
I wonder if sweet little Owen will get so close next time after having been stung?
Laurel. I'm thinkin' some rich goat cheese with honey comb on the side:)
Sharing today with This or That Thursday and Rural Thursday Blog Hop
That is so great to have bees in your area. We are so urban...the rural of us do not get the bees we want.
ReplyDeleteThis is so neat! I would love to work with bees sometime. Thanks for linking up with Rural THursday!
ReplyDeleteThey are amazing little creatures!! and ya gotta love honey!!
DeleteI know so many homesteaders, rural and urban alike, that have ventured into the beekeeping business. What great lessons your grandchildren are learning!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing at Rural Thursdays this week. xo
My kids do fun things with their kids, so my grandkids are blessed!!
DeleteAges ago, when I was a small child, my uncle was a beekeeper in Citrus Heights. When we (3 kids) visited, we were strictly warned about not venturing into his 'warehouse' where the honey was processed and to also keep away from the hives. When we did get to go into the warehouse, we were accompanied by adults and I still remember that sweet honey smell in the air. Years later I read a novel by Gene Stratton Porter - "Keeper of the Bees" and it had more technical information woven into the story. (great book, by the way) Amazing what God's creation gives us. Enjoyed the pictures.
ReplyDeleteThanks Helen!!
DeleteFascinating indeed - no wonder you grandson was so interested, I just hope that getting stung didn't put him off to much.
ReplyDeleteI'm not terribly keen on wasps but bees I don't mind.
You can look forward to the lovely honey that they produce too. Mmmm yummy :))
Very interesting. We're any of the bees dressed like pirates?
ReplyDeleteHuh??????
DeleteHow wonderful for them to learn close up. Usually you rarely get stung by a honey bee unless it's smashed. I was always sad when I accidently stepped on one running barefoot through the clover because I knew it was gone.
ReplyDeleteI do not like paper wasps but I love bees. Dad had them and we always had great fresh honey. I fear with the drought, it might be a difficult year for the bees.
Great photos.
I would love to keep bees. But I hardly need something else to do and my husband just gives me "the look" every time I suggest bees.
ReplyDeleteHow funny...my hubby gives me that SAME look!! He's smiling, kinda crooked like..you know it's fake, cause he isn'r happy with what I've said!! LOL!!
DeleteGreat pictures it looks so intresting to watch this and I've just this minute had my breakfast (honey on toast )great timing :)thanks for visiting my blog ...
ReplyDelete